Hydrapak Softflask (750ml) - AW20

Great shape and size, seems robust BUT it taints whatever you put in it with an unpleasant taste, won't be keeping....

Since Katadyn doesn't sell spare bottles for their BeFree filter system, I picked up the Hydropak 750ml SoftFlask in the hopes that it would serve equally well. Compared to the 1L Hydrapak-made bottle that comes with the Katadyn, I would say this is a slightly thicker and sturdier bottle. It also has harder plastic 'covers' on each end to stiffen the bottle and protect those high use areas from wear, which is pretty nice to see. Even with the addition of the stiff plastic, it still rolls up quite small.For gram-counters, the SoftFlask 750 as it comes weighs 63g (2.2oz). However, if you remove the finger handle and the cap, you can get it down to 40g (1.4oz). A stripped-down SoftFlask with a BeFree filter installed weighs in at 80g (2.8oz), which is not much more than the weight of the BeFree 1.0 system (2.3oz). You are getting a slightly smaller bottle, but one that is thicker and sturdier.I have not had this long enough to evaluate the longevity of the bottle, but my initial impressions are positive, and it works well when used with the BeFree filter, i.e. no leaking at the threads.

Bought this for travel to put in my carry on and fill on the other side of security at airports. Nice to have water on long flights and compacts back down. Shared it with my kids who dubbed it “squishy bottle” so I bought them one. No leakage issues so far.

I use this mainly for hiking because I got tired of using hydration bag. I clip this to my backpack on the front as it is very light. I soaked this in warm water with baking soda and soap prior to using it. Did it for a couple of times. I bought 2 of 750mL & one 500mL. I am only giving this 4 stars because it is a little expensive.

Solid and durable construction. Lightweight bottle for running or outdoor activities. Katadyn BeFree filter can be screwed onto the top for water filtration.

This bottle is not designed for runners. To dispense the liquid you have to squeeze the bottle like a tube of toothpaste if the bottle is not completely full. It's hard to get anything out once you have finished half the bottle. The bottle flops around and is hard to hold if you are trying to run or walk (or move) and hold it. I would say this product is best for hikers or campers that have a backpack to store the bottle and want to save space when the bottle is empty.